Aronia Villa guidebook
Food scene
best selection of fine dining , local favourite , must visit restaurant & bars in Cairo
If you’re looking for a bar and fine dining in Zamalek near to the house , an evening out with great food, good music, cocktails and a stimulating vibe, Sass is fast garnering great reviews
Signature dishes: All of them! But on the dessert menu, the Sass Cookie Pan, a warm vanilla cookie in a pan with salted caramel, topped with ice-cream.
Dishes sampled and ingredients: The meal began with gorgeously soft, home-baked white rolls and an accompanying dish of anchovy butter, followed by a simply divine mushroom soup. As a starter, we sampled the giant shrimps, oven roasted in almond citrus butter – a new twist on a favorite dish that served to whet the appetite further, and left plenty of room for a substantial main. In this case, a tender Beef Chateaubriand: South African filet steak roasted and served with dauphine potatoes, spring onions, sauce choron (Bearnaise blended with tomato) and beef jus.
We also tried the Parmesan Risotto, cooked in a ‘light’ lobster cream and served with shrimps – quite filling as a main. Choosing from several delicious looking salad choices, we sampled the Quinoa Salad, a mix of quinoa, spinach leaves, avocado, pomegranate and shrimp. With so many competing flavors, the delicately flavored citrus dressing could have had a little more kick, nevertheless everything tasted fresh and the ingredients complemented each other nicely.
Other menu options that appealed: Tea Smoked Salmon: tea-smoked, soy-marinated salmon, spring onion, crispy yoghurt basmati rice and wasabi cream. Lamb Rack: herb-crusted rack of lamb with roast potatoes and lamb jus. Orange Duck: crispy skin roasted duck, truffle mashed potatoes, spring onion, served with orange duck jus. Beef Ravioli: homemade fresh ravioli stuffed with beef stew with cherry tomatoes, basil oil and shaved pecorino cheese. Goaty Spinach Salad: spinach leaves, beetroot, Granny Smith apple, orange dressing, goat cheese croquette.
Beverages: Special in-house cocktails, spirits, a comprehensive list of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices, delicious fresh juices, soft drinks and a full range of hot drinks.
Top tip: Leave room for dessert! Having been pressed to try the Sass Cookie Pan we realized desserts were a must. Could you resist homemade Tiramisu served in a jar, with wild berries and vanilla biscuit? Or molten chocolate cake with peanut butter and cream? Or better still, a pavlova topped with red berries and whipped cream?
Décor: Contemporary and spacious with subdued lighting, mirrors, a mix of regular and tall tables, and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.
Ambience: Sophisticated but friendly, background music sound track with a jazzy feel; live music on the weekends.
Clientele mix: Varied, from the young and lively, groups, couples, to business diners, all from an up-market segment.
Opening hours: 4 pm to 2 am (with plans to open for lunch soon).
Address: The Imperial Boat, Zamalek
Telephone number: 0120 001 9979
8 lokalkjente anbefaler
SASS Restaurant / Bar
If you’re looking for a bar and fine dining in Zamalek near to the house , an evening out with great food, good music, cocktails and a stimulating vibe, Sass is fast garnering great reviews
Signature dishes: All of them! But on the dessert menu, the Sass Cookie Pan, a warm vanilla cookie in a pan with salted caramel, topped with ice-cream.
Dishes sampled and ingredients: The meal began with gorgeously soft, home-baked white rolls and an accompanying dish of anchovy butter, followed by a simply divine mushroom soup. As a starter, we sampled the giant shrimps, oven roasted in almond citrus butter – a new twist on a favorite dish that served to whet the appetite further, and left plenty of room for a substantial main. In this case, a tender Beef Chateaubriand: South African filet steak roasted and served with dauphine potatoes, spring onions, sauce choron (Bearnaise blended with tomato) and beef jus.
We also tried the Parmesan Risotto, cooked in a ‘light’ lobster cream and served with shrimps – quite filling as a main. Choosing from several delicious looking salad choices, we sampled the Quinoa Salad, a mix of quinoa, spinach leaves, avocado, pomegranate and shrimp. With so many competing flavors, the delicately flavored citrus dressing could have had a little more kick, nevertheless everything tasted fresh and the ingredients complemented each other nicely.
Other menu options that appealed: Tea Smoked Salmon: tea-smoked, soy-marinated salmon, spring onion, crispy yoghurt basmati rice and wasabi cream. Lamb Rack: herb-crusted rack of lamb with roast potatoes and lamb jus. Orange Duck: crispy skin roasted duck, truffle mashed potatoes, spring onion, served with orange duck jus. Beef Ravioli: homemade fresh ravioli stuffed with beef stew with cherry tomatoes, basil oil and shaved pecorino cheese. Goaty Spinach Salad: spinach leaves, beetroot, Granny Smith apple, orange dressing, goat cheese croquette.
Beverages: Special in-house cocktails, spirits, a comprehensive list of local wines and beers at very reasonable prices, delicious fresh juices, soft drinks and a full range of hot drinks.
Top tip: Leave room for dessert! Having been pressed to try the Sass Cookie Pan we realized desserts were a must. Could you resist homemade Tiramisu served in a jar, with wild berries and vanilla biscuit? Or molten chocolate cake with peanut butter and cream? Or better still, a pavlova topped with red berries and whipped cream?
Décor: Contemporary and spacious with subdued lighting, mirrors, a mix of regular and tall tables, and a spectacular Nile view from the whole room.
Ambience: Sophisticated but friendly, background music sound track with a jazzy feel; live music on the weekends.
Clientele mix: Varied, from the young and lively, groups, couples, to business diners, all from an up-market segment.
Opening hours: 4 pm to 2 am (with plans to open for lunch soon).
Address: The Imperial Boat, Zamalek
Telephone number: 0120 001 9979
The Ottomans were a great influence to him and he soon became very well known for his exceptional cuisine. His origins were ambiguous; some believe he was from the East and others thought he was from the West. It was later discovered that he was from Cairo. Egyptʹs geographical location surrounded by countries such as Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, has led to a transfusion of ideas, people and culture directly influencing his cuisine. Al Sayyed Abou el Sid became so famous that his reputation reached the Sultan’s palace.Abou el Sid was famous for his exquisite Egyptian meals that had various delicacies such as Foul with Tahina Sauce, Koshari, Stuffed Pigeon with Rice, Molokheya with Rabbits.
located in zamalek near to the house
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Abou El Sid Restaurant
157 26th of July CorridorThe Ottomans were a great influence to him and he soon became very well known for his exceptional cuisine. His origins were ambiguous; some believe he was from the East and others thought he was from the West. It was later discovered that he was from Cairo. Egyptʹs geographical location surrounded by countries such as Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, has led to a transfusion of ideas, people and culture directly influencing his cuisine. Al Sayyed Abou el Sid became so famous that his reputation reached the Sultan’s palace.Abou el Sid was famous for his exquisite Egyptian meals that had various delicacies such as Foul with Tahina Sauce, Koshari, Stuffed Pigeon with Rice, Molokheya with Rabbits.
located in zamalek near to the house
Located on the corniche of Zamalek , Crimson’s Bar & Grill has an amazing view of the Nile and the skyscrapers that lie on the other side. With a mixture of American and Japanese food, providing good Hookah.
Crimson’s offers breakfast and fancy dining for romantic outings.
50 lokalkjente anbefaler
Crimson Cairo
16 كمال الطويلLocated on the corniche of Zamalek , Crimson’s Bar & Grill has an amazing view of the Nile and the skyscrapers that lie on the other side. With a mixture of American and Japanese food, providing good Hookah.
Crimson’s offers breakfast and fancy dining for romantic outings.
Andrea New Giza is lucky to hold such a location, which stands straight on top a cliff and oversees the city from above. It’s the perfect place to have a long family lunch with a variety of condiments, appetizers and main dishes
everything is organic and they do it fresh for you , from fresh baked bread to the chicken
you can enjoy watching the simple Egyptian women cooking your best tasty food ever in Cairo with a touch of cultural historical style
in this place you will see Egyptian celebrities , tourists from around the world , and you will feel the magic of the simplicity
11 lokalkjente anbefaler
Andrea New Giza
New Giza RoadAndrea New Giza is lucky to hold such a location, which stands straight on top a cliff and oversees the city from above. It’s the perfect place to have a long family lunch with a variety of condiments, appetizers and main dishes
everything is organic and they do it fresh for you , from fresh baked bread to the chicken
you can enjoy watching the simple Egyptian women cooking your best tasty food ever in Cairo with a touch of cultural historical style
in this place you will see Egyptian celebrities , tourists from around the world , and you will feel the magic of the simplicity
el dahan restaurant offers Local cuisine, Barbecue, Middle Eastern, Egyptian food
located near to the house in mohandiseen area : 38 Gameat Al Dewal Al Arabeya, Al Agouzah, Agouza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
مطعم الدهان
38 Gameat Al Dewal Al Arabeyael dahan restaurant offers Local cuisine, Barbecue, Middle Eastern, Egyptian food
located near to the house in mohandiseen area : 38 Gameat Al Dewal Al Arabeya, Al Agouzah, Agouza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Beeja is a new spot in Zamalek, located in the Biota complex, (formerly Sequoia and Left Bank) which aims to be one of the best places to eat near people living in Central Cairo and want to eat with a view of nile river , and try hookah
Beeja offer Egyptian cuisine with a few Lebanese dishes, and could potentially be an option if you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot in Cairo.Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled
Signature dishes include the Bechamel Pasta, Tajen Lesan Asfour with Meat Cubes, Tajen Okra with Meat Cubes, Oven Baked Rice with Pigeon and Oven Baked Rice with Chicken.
We made our way for iftar and ordered the set menu. For starters we had the soup of the day, Lesan Asfour, stuffed vine leaves, crispy Kobeba, fresh Baladi Salad and classic Tahini Salad.
Then, for the main dishes we tried the Djaj Mesahab and the Mixed Grill, which included kebab, kofta and shish tawook all well seasoned and juicy with a side of satisfying brown rice and potato wedges.
To wash it all down quenched with Ramadan drinks (hibiscus and sobia) and for dessert, we had Crème Caramel served with banana slices and caramel syrup, as well as Om Ali made of a soft ro’aa mixed with nuts, sweetened hot milk, topped with warm cream and pleasantly baked with a golden brown surface.
Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available
Mini Shawerma, Mini Hawawshi, Mixed Meat Feteer, and Sweet Feteer and Zalabya for dessert.
Beverage options include hot and soft drinks, fresh juices and smoothies.
Sequoia station
Beeja is a new spot in Zamalek, located in the Biota complex, (formerly Sequoia and Left Bank) which aims to be one of the best places to eat near people living in Central Cairo and want to eat with a view of nile river , and try hookah
Beeja offer Egyptian cuisine with a few Lebanese dishes, and could potentially be an option if you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot in Cairo.Signature Dishes & Dishes Sampled
Signature dishes include the Bechamel Pasta, Tajen Lesan Asfour with Meat Cubes, Tajen Okra with Meat Cubes, Oven Baked Rice with Pigeon and Oven Baked Rice with Chicken.
We made our way for iftar and ordered the set menu. For starters we had the soup of the day, Lesan Asfour, stuffed vine leaves, crispy Kobeba, fresh Baladi Salad and classic Tahini Salad.
Then, for the main dishes we tried the Djaj Mesahab and the Mixed Grill, which included kebab, kofta and shish tawook all well seasoned and juicy with a side of satisfying brown rice and potato wedges.
To wash it all down quenched with Ramadan drinks (hibiscus and sobia) and for dessert, we had Crème Caramel served with banana slices and caramel syrup, as well as Om Ali made of a soft ro’aa mixed with nuts, sweetened hot milk, topped with warm cream and pleasantly baked with a golden brown surface.
Other Menu Options that Appealed & Beverages Available
Mini Shawerma, Mini Hawawshi, Mixed Meat Feteer, and Sweet Feteer and Zalabya for dessert.
Beverage options include hot and soft drinks, fresh juices and smoothies.
if you are looking for the local Egyptian food this is one of the famous local meal contain pasta, rice , salsa , chickpeas , Lentils , fried onion , with garlic vinegar touch , hot sauce
abou tarek has the credit of the oldest and biggest restaurant providing this traditional delicious meal in Cairo where you can see a lot of traveller around the world visit this restaurant
14 lokalkjente anbefaler
Koshary Abou Tarek
١٦ Maroufif you are looking for the local Egyptian food this is one of the famous local meal contain pasta, rice , salsa , chickpeas , Lentils , fried onion , with garlic vinegar touch , hot sauce
abou tarek has the credit of the oldest and biggest restaurant providing this traditional delicious meal in Cairo where you can see a lot of traveller around the world visit this restaurant
Fayruz Lebanese Restaurant
The finest in Lebanese cuisine is served in the exquisite surroundings of Fayruz. From traditional mezza to the finest kebabs and fresh breads, made before your very eyes in the restaurant, Fayruz offers an unforgettable experience. Live entertainment is featured nightly with our belly dancer and live band. A cultural experience not to be missed.
InterContinental Cairo Citystars
Omar Ibn El-KhattabFayruz Lebanese Restaurant
The finest in Lebanese cuisine is served in the exquisite surroundings of Fayruz. From traditional mezza to the finest kebabs and fresh breads, made before your very eyes in the restaurant, Fayruz offers an unforgettable experience. Live entertainment is featured nightly with our belly dancer and live band. A cultural experience not to be missed.
Sightseeing
FINDING TUTANKHAMUN IN CAIRO ?
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, 3.9 KM away from home
No Egypt tour is complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. With over 120,000 artefacts, the museum houses an unbelievable exhibit depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. Mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures, it's all there. The boy-king's death-mask - discovered in its tomb - is made of solid gold and it has been described as the most beautiful object ever made. Opening hours: 09:00- 19:00 Fri 09:00- 11:00; 1:30- 19:00
"The Egyptian Museum Is Situated At Tahrir Square In Cairo, Built During The Reign Of Khedive Abbass Helmi II In 1897, Opened 1902. Among The Exhibits In Its 107 Halls Are The Tutankhamon Treasures And The Mummies."
Address: Tahrir Square rd Tahrir Square، Egypt,
130 lokalkjente anbefaler
Det egyptiske museet
El-Tahrir SquareFINDING TUTANKHAMUN IN CAIRO ?
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, 3.9 KM away from home
No Egypt tour is complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. With over 120,000 artefacts, the museum houses an unbelievable exhibit depicting ancient Egypt's glorious reign. Mummies, sarcophagi, pottery, jewellery and of course King Tutankhamen's treasures, it's all there. The boy-king's death-mask - discovered in its tomb - is made of solid gold and it has been described as the most beautiful object ever made. Opening hours: 09:00- 19:00 Fri 09:00- 11:00; 1:30- 19:00
"The Egyptian Museum Is Situated At Tahrir Square In Cairo, Built During The Reign Of Khedive Abbass Helmi II In 1897, Opened 1902. Among The Exhibits In Its 107 Halls Are The Tutankhamon Treasures And The Mummies."
Address: Tahrir Square rd Tahrir Square، Egypt,
Location:
It is located in the centre on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile River in Zamalek district in Cairo, Egypt.
Explanation:
The Cairo Tower or El Gezira tower or ( Borg El qahira) in Arabic language is consider one of the most prominent features of the Egyptian capital .Its partially open lattice-work design is intended to evoke a lotus plant. Cairo tower was built from 1956 to 1961 during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser with Soviet assistance. The Cairo Tower Height is 187m high, it is higher than the great pyramid of Giza by 50 meters and it is Standing on the base of the Aswan granite stones that had the ancient Egyptians used to build their monasteries and temples of the pharaohs It contains 16 floors, the trip inside the elevator tower to reach the end of 45 seconds to see when standing on the top of the tower a full panorama of Cairo, the pyramids, building the television, the Sphinx, the Nile, Castle Salah El Din, Azhar.it is the wonderful and spectacular view to Cairo There is a telescope to visit Egypt in a single moment ,a cafeteria in the floor 15 and rotating restaurant in the floor 14 and 160 meter high the waiters in this restaurant are dressed like ancient Egyptians Cairo tower is consider an architectural masterpiece to attract the tourist to Egypt.
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Kairo-tårnet
Gezira StreetLocation:
It is located in the centre on Gezira Island in the middle of the Nile River in Zamalek district in Cairo, Egypt.
Explanation:
The Cairo Tower or El Gezira tower or ( Borg El qahira) in Arabic language is consider one of the most prominent features of the Egyptian capital .Its partially open lattice-work design is intended to evoke a lotus plant. Cairo tower was built from 1956 to 1961 during the presidency of Gamal Abdel Nasser with Soviet assistance. The Cairo Tower Height is 187m high, it is higher than the great pyramid of Giza by 50 meters and it is Standing on the base of the Aswan granite stones that had the ancient Egyptians used to build their monasteries and temples of the pharaohs It contains 16 floors, the trip inside the elevator tower to reach the end of 45 seconds to see when standing on the top of the tower a full panorama of Cairo, the pyramids, building the television, the Sphinx, the Nile, Castle Salah El Din, Azhar.it is the wonderful and spectacular view to Cairo There is a telescope to visit Egypt in a single moment ,a cafeteria in the floor 15 and rotating restaurant in the floor 14 and 160 meter high the waiters in this restaurant are dressed like ancient Egyptians Cairo tower is consider an architectural masterpiece to attract the tourist to Egypt.
Muhammad Ali chose to build his state mosque entirely in the architectural style of his former overlords, the Ottomans, unlike the Mamluks who, despite their political submission to the Ottomans, stuck to the architectural styles of the previous Mamluk dynasties.
The mosque was built with a central dome surrounded by four small and four semicircular domes. It was constructed in a square plan and measured 41x41 meters. The central dome is 21 meters in diameter and the height of the building is 52 meters. Two elegant cylindrical minarets of Turkish type with two balconies and conical caps are situated on the western side of the mosque, and rise to 82 meters.
The use of this style, combined with the presence of two minarets and multiple half-domes surrounding the central dome — features reserved for mosques built on the authority of the Sultan — were a defiant declaration of de facto Egyptian independence.
The main material is limestone likely sourced from the Great Pyramids of Giza but the lower storey and forecourt is tiled with alabaster up to 11,3 meters. The external facades are severe and angular and rise about four storeys until the level of the lead-covered domes.
The mihrab on the southeastern wall is three storeys high and covered with a semicircular dome. There are two arcades on the second storey, rising on columns and covered with domes. Although there are three entrances on each side of the forecourt, the usual entry is through the northeastern gate. The forecourt measures 50x50 meters. It is enclosed by arched riwaks rising on pillars and covered by domes.
There is a brass clock tower in the middle of the northwestern riwak, which was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845. The clock was reciprocated with the obelisk of Luxor now standing in Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The interior has a measure of 41x41 meters and gives a great feeling of space. The use of two levels of domes gives a much greater sense of space than there actually is. The central dome rises on four arches standing on colossal piers. There are four semicircular domes around the central dome. There are four smaller domes on the corners as well. The domes are painted and embellished with motifs in relief. The walls and pillars are covered with alabaster up to 11 meters high.
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Moskeen til Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali chose to build his state mosque entirely in the architectural style of his former overlords, the Ottomans, unlike the Mamluks who, despite their political submission to the Ottomans, stuck to the architectural styles of the previous Mamluk dynasties.
The mosque was built with a central dome surrounded by four small and four semicircular domes. It was constructed in a square plan and measured 41x41 meters. The central dome is 21 meters in diameter and the height of the building is 52 meters. Two elegant cylindrical minarets of Turkish type with two balconies and conical caps are situated on the western side of the mosque, and rise to 82 meters.
The use of this style, combined with the presence of two minarets and multiple half-domes surrounding the central dome — features reserved for mosques built on the authority of the Sultan — were a defiant declaration of de facto Egyptian independence.
The main material is limestone likely sourced from the Great Pyramids of Giza but the lower storey and forecourt is tiled with alabaster up to 11,3 meters. The external facades are severe and angular and rise about four storeys until the level of the lead-covered domes.
The mihrab on the southeastern wall is three storeys high and covered with a semicircular dome. There are two arcades on the second storey, rising on columns and covered with domes. Although there are three entrances on each side of the forecourt, the usual entry is through the northeastern gate. The forecourt measures 50x50 meters. It is enclosed by arched riwaks rising on pillars and covered by domes.
There is a brass clock tower in the middle of the northwestern riwak, which was presented to Muhammad Ali by King Louis Philippe of France in 1845. The clock was reciprocated with the obelisk of Luxor now standing in Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The interior has a measure of 41x41 meters and gives a great feeling of space. The use of two levels of domes gives a much greater sense of space than there actually is. The central dome rises on four arches standing on colossal piers. There are four semicircular domes around the central dome. There are four smaller domes on the corners as well. The domes are painted and embellished with motifs in relief. The walls and pillars are covered with alabaster up to 11 meters high.
Khan El Khalili is one of the most popular historical tourist markets in the whole world. Visited by numerous tourists who spend their vacation in Egypt, the market has turned throughout the years to be one of the attractions of the land of the Nile included in almost all tours to Egypt.
Travelers from all over the world who spend their holidays in Egypt visit Khan El Khalili to buy Egyptian style gifts and souvenirs. This is besides spending some time in one of the finest cafes in Khan El Khalili like El Fishawy Café to smoke a Shisha or have a cold or a hot drink in a marvelous historical atmosphere.
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Khan Al-Khalili
Khan El Khalili is one of the most popular historical tourist markets in the whole world. Visited by numerous tourists who spend their vacation in Egypt, the market has turned throughout the years to be one of the attractions of the land of the Nile included in almost all tours to Egypt.
Travelers from all over the world who spend their holidays in Egypt visit Khan El Khalili to buy Egyptian style gifts and souvenirs. This is besides spending some time in one of the finest cafes in Khan El Khalili like El Fishawy Café to smoke a Shisha or have a cold or a hot drink in a marvelous historical atmosphere.
The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
Based on a mark in an interior chamber naming the work gang and a reference to the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu, some Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was thus built as a tomb over a 10- to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. Initially standing at 146.5 metres (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until Lincoln Cathedral was finished in 1311 AD. Originally, the Great Pyramid was covered by limestone casing stones that formed a smooth outer surface; what is seen today is the underlying core structure. Some of the casing stones that once covered the structure can still be seen around the base. There have been varying scientific and alternative theories about the Great Pyramid's construction techniques. Most accepted construction hypotheses are based on the idea that it was built by moving huge stones from a quarry and dragging and lifting them into place.
There are three known chambers inside the Great Pyramid. The lowest chamber is cut into the bedrock upon which the pyramid was built and was unfinished. The so-called Queen's Chamber and King's Chamber are higher up within the pyramid structure. The main part of the Giza complex is a set of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honour of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu's wives, an even smaller "satellite" pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs for nobles surrounding the pyramid.
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Giza nekropolis
Al HaramThe Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
Based on a mark in an interior chamber naming the work gang and a reference to the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu, some Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was thus built as a tomb over a 10- to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. Initially standing at 146.5 metres (481 feet), the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years until Lincoln Cathedral was finished in 1311 AD. Originally, the Great Pyramid was covered by limestone casing stones that formed a smooth outer surface; what is seen today is the underlying core structure. Some of the casing stones that once covered the structure can still be seen around the base. There have been varying scientific and alternative theories about the Great Pyramid's construction techniques. Most accepted construction hypotheses are based on the idea that it was built by moving huge stones from a quarry and dragging and lifting them into place.
There are three known chambers inside the Great Pyramid. The lowest chamber is cut into the bedrock upon which the pyramid was built and was unfinished. The so-called Queen's Chamber and King's Chamber are higher up within the pyramid structure. The main part of the Giza complex is a set of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honour of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu's wives, an even smaller "satellite" pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs for nobles surrounding the pyramid.